Vote on Gateway proposal moved to late May

LAKE FOREST – The Lake Forest Planning Commission has tabled its discussion of a proposal to redesign the shopping center at the northwest corner of Lake Forest and Rockfield Boulevard for a month. The planning commissioners want more information about the project from property owner Fortus Property Group.

After a lengthy discussion, commissioners on April 25 pushed their ruling on the proposal to May 23, when they expect to receive additional details, such as proposed building elevations and sign dimensions.

The proposed redesign would expand one building and demolish another. Specifically, the owners are proposing to:

Demolish the two-story medical office building on Rockfield;

Build two single-story buildings along Rockfield for a bank and a fast-food restaurant;

Expand an existing building by about 11,000 square feet; fill it with a new market; and

Move an existing driveway to align with Centre Drive and add a traffic light.

Gateway is home to the original Peppino's Italian Family Restaurant, which opened in 1984 and now has four locations. The center, which was rebranded during the 2008 redesign to bring attention to its location at an entrance to the city, welcomed Orange County's first Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar in 2009.

Two of the center's big nightlife draws, rock venue Gypsy Lounge and strip club Captain's Cabaret, closed in January 2011.

Under the remodel proposal, access to the center and the design of the parking lot would also be altered. One of the existing three Rockfield Boulevard entrances would be relocated to align with Center Drive, and a traffic signal would be installed at that intersection. Date palms up to 20 feet tall would be planted at the new driveway. Angled parking spots would be restriped to perpendicular spaces, and drive aisles would be realigned.

Commissioners may vote on the proposal at the May 23 meeting. To read the full proposal, go to lakeforestca.gov/agendas.

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